Intervention Review

Laetrile treatment for cancer

  1. Stefania Milazzo1,*,
  2. Edzard Ernst2,
  3. Stephane Lejeune3,
  4. Katja Boehm1,
  5. Markus Horneber1

Editorial Group: Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Group

Published Online: 9 NOV 2011

Assessed as up-to-date: 31 AUG 2011

DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005476.pub3

Database Title

Additional Information

How to Cite

Milazzo S, Ernst E, Lejeune S, Boehm K, Horneber M. Laetrile treatment for cancer. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 11. Art. No.: CD005476. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005476.pub3.

Author Information

  1. 1

    Klinikum Nord, Medizinische Klinik 5-Schwerpunkt Onkologie/Haematologie, Nuernberg, Germany

  2. 2

    Peninsula Medical School, University of Exeter, Complementary Medicine, Exeter, Devon, UK

  3. 3

    EORTC, Data Centre, Brussels, Belgium

*Stefania Milazzo, Medizinische Klinik 5-Schwerpunkt Onkologie/Haematologie, Klinikum Nord, Prof.-Ernst-Nathan-Str. 1, Nuernberg, D-90419, Germany. stesincro@yahoo.com. stesincro@yahoo.com.

Publication History

  1. Publication Status: New search for studies and content updated (no change to conclusions)
  2. Published Online: 9 NOV 2011

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Abstract

  1. Top of page
  2. Abstract
  3. Plain language summary
  4. 摘要

Background

Laetrile is the name for a semi-synthetic compound which is chemically related to amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside from the kernels of apricots and various other species of the genus Prunus. Laetrile and amygdalin are promoted under various names for the treatment of cancer although there is no evidence for its efficacy. Due to possible cyanide poisoning, laetrile can be dangerous.

Objectives

To assess the alleged anti-cancer effect and possible adverse effects of laetrile and amygdalin.

Search methods

We searched the following databases: CENTRAL (2011, Issue 1); MEDLINE (1951-2011); EMBASE (1980-2011); AMED; Scirus; CancerLit; CINAHL (all from 1982-2011); CAMbase (from 1998-2011); the MetaRegister; the National Research Register; and our own files. We examined reference lists of included studies and review articles and we contacted experts in the field for knowledge of additional studies. We did not impose any restrictions of timer or language.

Selection criteria

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs.

Data collection and analysis

We searched eight databases and two registers for studies testing laetrile or amygdalin for the treatment of cancer. Two review authors screened and assessed articles for inclusion criteria.

Main results

We located over 200 references, 63 were evaluated in the original review and an additional 6 in this update. However, we did not identify any studies that met our inclusion criteria.

Authors' conclusions

The claims that laetrile or amygdalin have beneficial effects for cancer patients are not currently supported by sound clinical data. There is a considerable risk of serious adverse effects from cyanide poisoning after laetrile or amygdalin, especially after oral ingestion. The risk–benefit balance of laetrile or amygdalin as a treatment for cancer is therefore unambiguously negative.

 

Plain language summary

  1. Top of page
  2. Abstract
  3. Plain language summary
  4. 摘要

Laetrile treatment for cancer

Laetrile is a word created from the first letters of laevorotatory and mandelonitrile and describes a semi-synthetic form of amygdalin. Amygdalin is a compound that can be isolated from the seeds of many fruits such as peaches, bitter almonds and apricots. Both laetrile and amygdalin have a common structural component, mandelonitrile, that contains cyanide.

The lack of laetrile's effectiveness and the risk of side effects from cyanide poisoning led the Food and Drugs Agency (FDA) in the US and the European Commission to ban its use. However, it is possible to buy laetrile or amygdalin via the internet. As there is no government control of these markets, preparations may not only come from questionable sources but they may also be contaminated. Cancer patients should be informed about the high risk of developing serious adverse effects due to cyanide poisoning after laetrile or amygdalin, especially after oral ingestion. This risk could increase with concomitant intake of vitamin C and in vegetarians with vitamin B12 deficiency.

This systematic review found that there is no reliable evidence for the alleged effects of laetrile or amygdalin for curative effects in cancer patients.

 

摘要

  1. Top of page
  2. Abstract
  3. Plain language summary
  4. 摘要

背景

Laetrile在癌症上的治療

Laetrile是一種非傳統療法，已被部份癌症病患非法使用數十年，這些病患及一些另類治療師宣稱它有抗癌效用。它常被當成amygdalin，雖然兩者並不相同。

目標

這篇回顧文獻的主要目的在評估Laetrile所聲稱的抗癌效用及在癌症治療上單獨使用或作為輔助治療時可能帶來的傷害。

搜尋策略

我們搜尋了The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); MEDLINE (從1951年起); EMBASE (從1980年起); Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED), Scirus, CancerLit, CINAHL (從1982年起); CAMbase (從1998年起); the MetaRegister; the National Research Register及我們本身有的檔案。在使用的語言方面並沒有限制。

選擇標準

隨機對照試驗(randomized clinical trials, RCTs)及非隨機對照的臨床試驗(nonRCTs)。

資料收集與分析

由2位審查人獨立地評估文獻回顧中所收納的試驗，分析試驗的品質及收集資料。

主要結論

並沒有看到任何隨機對照試驗及非隨機對照的臨床試驗，因此在這篇系統性的文獻回顧中，沒有辦法作預後結果的摘要分析。

作者結論

並沒有對照的臨床試驗證據支持Laetrile對於癌症病患有益的說法。這篇系統性的文獻回顧清楚地指出我們需要有隨機的或對照的臨床試驗來評估Laetrile或amygdalin在癌症治療上的效用。

翻譯人

本摘要由臺灣大學附設醫院黃婉儀翻譯。

此翻譯計畫由臺灣國家衛生研究院(National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan)統籌。

總結

Laetrile在癌症上的治療 Laetrile是純化後的amygdalin，一種從許多植物的核果中所發現的化學物質，像是桃子，苦杏仁以及杏仁。Laetrile從1970年起被廣泛地使用在癌症病患身上，希望能用它來停止或減緩病程。由於Laetrile療效上的不確定性以及可能因氰化物汙染帶來的副作用，讓美國的食品藥物管理局(FDA)及歐盟執委會已禁止使用。然而，還是可以從網路上非法購買Laetrile的產品。由於缺乏政府在製成上的規範，這些產品很可能來源有問題或是已經被汙染。想要瞭解Laetrile在癌症治療上是否有效，最有益的作法就是回顧整理臨床試驗及科學文獻資料。很不幸的是，並沒有試驗能夠符合這篇回顧的收納條件。作者因此建議未來應該考慮進行對照的臨床試驗來評估Laetrile在癌症治療上是否有效。

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